Feb 28, 2008 7:40 pm US/Central
Funeral For Last Of 4 Bus Crash Victims
COTTONWOOD, Minn. (WCCO) ―
The final victim from the school bus crash in Southwestern Minnesota was laid to rest on Thursday. School was cancelled as hundreds of people filed into Lakeview School to say goodbye to 12-year-old Reed Stevens.
Family and friends say Reed will be remembered as a boy who loved playing football and spending time with his family.
"This is really hard. Like I said, it's like burying our own children," said Jean Polman, whose son was good friends with Reed.
No matter who you talked to, Reed's friends from 4-H or a neighbor who watched him grow, they all said the same thing: he was always smiling, always encouraging others.
"He embraced life with exuberance," said neighbor Debra Griebel. "He wanted the football team to succeed and that meant if someone was saying 'oh we won't want to do the exercises or the exercises hurt us.' (Reed would say) 'Shut up and do them, we want to win and get strong.'"
The funeral was delayed so Reed's younger brother could attend. Reed's 11-year-old brother was also injured in the bus crash and was released from the hospital two days ago with severe injuries to his leg and spleen.
"It's very sad for the families and the whole community is taking it hard," said Jordan Hively, a friend from 4-H.
Through their pastor, the Stevens' family said they thank everyone for their prayers and their support, and they hope everyone continues to pray.
"As far as accepting the realities of life they are clinging to their faith, living out their faith, they know he's with Christ," said Griebel.
And they will hold tight to the good memories of Reed that everyone seems to have, a young man who everyone seems to picture as a smile.
Reed was the final victim of that crash to be laid to rest. Funerals for Emilee Olson and brothers Hunter and Jesse Javens were held earlier this week.
(© MMVIII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
